A local businesswoman is using Christmas lights to spread holiday joy and give back to those in need.

Dr. Kelly Senglar-Vitale, who operates Manual Physical Therapy in Rocky Mount and Wilson, has decked her home with thousands of lights for several years, inviting folks to check it out, but this year, she’s added a charity component. There is a box for donations with 100 percent of the proceeds split between Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School and the Shriners Hospital for Children.

Senglar-Vitale said she noticed an uptick in traffic last week with a family on Thursday walking the pathway and singing songs.

“That is why we do it,” she said. “That is the best feeling ever.”

The lights are on from 6-11 p.m. nightly through Jan. 15 at 7952 Bridgeview Road in Rocky Mount. Hot chocolate will be given out to attendees from 6 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 8, 15 and 22. Music accompanies the light show on radio station 91.1 FM. The light show will not take place on rainy or windy nights.